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Gold Coast celebrates Australia Day 2025

Thousands of revellers have crowded Gold Coast beaches for Australia Day celebrations. See all the pictures.

Hundreds of boats have hit the water on the Gold Coast for Australia Day celebrations. Picture: Southport VMR Surf Cam.

Thousands of beachgoers have crowded the sand across the Gold Coast and authorities are out in force on the water with Australia Day celebrations well underway.

Wave Break Island is again the place to be with water police and Southport Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) holding a free BBQ on the southwest shoreline for visitors.

Busy conditions by midmorning on Australia Day at Main Beach. Picture: Southport Surf Life Saving Club.
Busy conditions by midmorning on Australia Day at Main Beach. Picture: Southport Surf Life Saving Club.

“It’s a great day and there’s lots of people out which is good to see,” VMR Duty Skipper Matt Fitzpatrick said.

“Everyone has been really well behaved and are out enjoying the good weather.”

It was a busy start to the day for rescue crews with a number of calls for assistance from boaties, according to Mr Fitzpatrick. “Thankfully nothing major. Just a few vessels with fuel and mechanical issues,” he said.

“We’re of course here and ready to respond throughout the day if the public need us. We have volunteers crewing all our vessels.”

Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast was also packed on Australia Day. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast was also packed on Australia Day. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Australia Day is one of the busiest periods for marine traffic across the Broadwater with authorities urging anyone taking out a boat or jetski to stay safe.

“We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself that’s why we just ask that you keep an eye out when you’re passing through the Broadwater,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“Watch your speed, take it easy and don’t rush. It will help keep everyone safe.”
On the sand, the usual favourite swimming spots were packed out – Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads, Kurrawa, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise, all buzzing with activity. Surf Lifesavers were also out on patrol to keep beachgoers safe.

Enjoying Australia Day 2025 at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast . Picture: Glenn Campbell
Enjoying Australia Day 2025 at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast . Picture: Glenn Campbell

It was an extra special patrol day for members at Tugun Surf Life Saving Club which was also celebrating its 100th anniversary. The club opened its doors to the community with a Nipper come and try session kicking off the day, followed by free waterslides and a flyover demonstration by the Westpac Rescue chopper ahead of the official 100th birthday luncheon early in the afternoon.

In Pictures: Australia Day 2025

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Bruce Dundee at Tugun Beach enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast .

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Lyn Webster at Tugun Beach enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Brad Burrows and Monique Bock with Butter , Alfie and Lilli enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Kim Geary enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Miklaya Waldren and Maverick enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Penny Campbell, ian MacPherson and Verity Noble enjoy Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Noelene Adams enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Matt Lye and Dekka Osborne enjoying Australia Day 2025 at the Tugun SLSC 100th Anniversary on the Gold Coast.

Picture Glenn Hampson
Picture Glenn Hampson

Korbin Maloy 9 gets some target practice in for his thong throwing before the Australia Day event being held at HOTA on Sunday.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Tugun SLSC Members enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Four generations of lifesavers Frank, Sophie and Dekka Osborne , Dave Egan and Kale Osborn at Tugun Beach enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Tugun Nippers enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Tugun Beach as people enjoy Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Picture: Glenn Campbell
Picture: Glenn Campbell

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Crew Member Sonita Leng-Cole drops in on Tugun SLSC Nippers enjoying Australia Day 2025 on the Gold Coast.

Originally published as Gold Coast celebrates Australia Day 2025

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-boaties-urged-to-take-it-easy-during-australia-day-celebrations/news-story/fe2619f8d8699347616be818ba423308